We left Durango, CO the morning of the 13th heading for  Colorado Springs.  On the way, we stopped at Pagosa Springs to view some hot springs and the San Juan River flowing through the town.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our next destination was stopping at Bishop’s Castle outside of Rye, CO.  The castle is named after Jim Bishop; construction of the castle began in 1969, when Bishop began construction on a family cottage, which he decided to surround with rocks. Several neighbors noted that the structure looked something like a castle. Bishop took this into consideration and soon began building his castle. He had bought the land when he was fifteen for a price of $450.  For some reason, the pictures I took of the place did not turn out so you can visit the web site at www.bishopcastle.org; it is truly worth your time to view what an amazing structure has been constructed.

We arrived in Colorado Springs and checked into a Comfort Inn which turned out to be a mistake due to loud noise, thin walls, and a blow drier that “blew up” in Edith’s hand; the  morning of the 14th,  we checked out and found another hotel.   The day proved to be busy with our first stop at the railway for Pikes Peak; we purchased our tickets and got on board.  Due to high winds and snow, we were only able to go up 9000 ft. before the train returned to the depot.  The weather caused them to close the highway going to the top so no one could drive their car up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After our Pikes Peak adventure, we headed to the Manitou Cliff Dwellings which are authenic architecture of the ancient Anasazi Indians built 700 years ago.  We enjoyed walking through all the rooms and I especially enjoyed the gift shop <:)

 

 

 

 

 

 

After leaving the dwellings, we headed for Garden of the Gods which is a public park in Colorado Springs; in 1971, it was designated a National Natural Landmark.  The Garden of the Gods red rock formations were created during a geological upheaval along a natural fault line millions of years ago. Archaeological evidence shows that prehistoric people visited Garden of the Gods about 1330 BC. About 250 BC Native American people camped in the park.   Before driving through the park, we had lunch in the visitor center and enjoyed the gift shop.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have to say that I have been to the Garden of the Gods many times and, each time, enjoy the experience tremendously.  After some discussion, Edith and I decided there were no other attractions around the area we wanted to visit so we made plans to leave for home the next day.  The trip home was uneventful and we arrived at my place in the early afternoon of October 16th.  As usual, it was a great trip;  I am so thankful that my sister and I travel well together and look forward to our next adventure!